February 01, 2019

Steve Gaynor on Responsive Doubles

Steve Gaynor and his partner at the bridge table and in life, Jean, have many the successful game. This hand was of interest to them. Steve kindly wrote it up with some wise advice for us all!

Thanks, Steve!

RESPONSIVE DOUBLES IN ACTION

By Steve Gaynor

A hand from the Orlando Regional, Jan 9 morning session.

Board 22East DealsE-W Vul

♠

Q 9 7 5

♥

A

♦

KQ9763

♣

A 2

♠

A 6 2

♥

K Q 7 6

♦

A T 4

♣

6 4 3

♠

T 4

♥

9 8 3 2

♦

J 2

♣

K T 9 7 5

♠

K J 8 3

♥

J T 5 4

♦

8 5

♣

Q J 6

E S W N

P P 1C 1D

2C ?

Do you have responsive doubles in your arsenal? Here is an example of how they can be of benefit.

Normally I recommend that if you are forcing partner to the three level you ideally would be 5-5 with tolerance (Jx or better) for partners’ suit. On this hand partner needs only to bid at the two level, so non-vulnerable at matchpoints, a responsive double by South looks best. That will get you to your spade contract and you may very well buy it at the 2 level for a decent score.

If E/W persists, they may even drive you into game which can be made on this hand. However, if South passes, North can do no more than rebid diamonds, probably ending the bidding. +130 for N/S gets only 4.5 of 26 matchpoints, +170 gets 15.5 and bidding game was worth 25.

Rochester, MN player Dave Hoffman was in the event and he and his partner were one of the few to get to 4S on this deal. Thanks to soft defense they made 5!